Hunt for answers continues as Bitcoin mining site faces 30-day deadline after El Reno water leak
A Bitcoin mining facility operated by Athlon in El Reno, Oklahoma, caused a massive water leak last month, leading to the loss of 3 million gallons and leaving residents without water. El Reno city officials have given the company a 30-day deadline to address permit issues and compliance or face potential shutdown. The facility's water supply has been shut off, and officials have condemned the data center, stating it should never have opened.
An Athlon Bitcoin mining facility in El Reno, Oklahoma, was identified as the source of a massive water leak last month, resulting in the loss of over 3 million gallons from the city's supply. The incident caused significant disruption, leaving many residents without water and forcing schools and businesses to close.
Following the incident and prior issues with permitting and stop-work orders, El Reno officials held an abatement hearing. They issued a 30-day deadline for Athlon to resolve all appropriate permits and demonstrate progress in addressing the problems, or face the potential shutdown of the facility. The city has already shut off water to the data center.
Residents, including Sarah Pedro, expressed frustration and questioned why the operation was allowed to continue for years despite previous concerns, highlighting the impact on families and schools. Pedro voiced fears of future, potentially larger, water crises if the facility is allowed to continue operating. The next abatement hearing is scheduled for October to review the company's compliance efforts. El Reno officials have also stated that the data center was condemned and was never supposed to open.